The EIU view

The April presidential election will be postponed again beyond July, probably to early 2021, following the resignation of the ailing Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in April after weeks of protests that will continue. It remains unclear who will succeed him, but the military will seek a transition to a pliant successor. The economy will remain heavily dependent on energy despite diversification policies. The pace of average annual growth will be modest, at around 3% of GDP.

Renewed push for presidential election
The army's efforts to bring forward a poll would face opposition from the anti-regime protest movement, whose members fear the move could entrench the military's authority.

Key firms regain access to finances
The unfreezing of bank accounts of the firms, whose business leaders have been jailed as part of widespread corruption investigations, will reduce economic disruption.

Authorities restrict internet access
The restrictions came in the wake of the publication of a video on YouTube interpreted as calling on the Algerian military to overthrow the current commander of the armed forces.

Government continues to avoid foreign issuance
The authorities would struggle to implement significant fiscal consolidation while current high levels of political instability persist, although it may be possible to improve spending.